The bill also has $10 million for grants to prevent youth violence.
BOSTON – Gov. Deval L. Patrick today signed a bill that will help pay for state costs associated with damage from the June 1 tornadoes in Western Massachusetts.
The $54 million bill includes $15 million to finance the state's costs for the tornadoes including overtime for workers in agencies such as the National Guard, State Police and the state Department of Conservation and Recreation.
The state Legislature voted final approval of the bill on Monday.
The bill includes a measure to speed the process for cities and towns to borrow on an emergency basis. It also clears communities to provide property tax relief to property owners affected by the tornadoes. Property taxes for the fiscal year that starts July 1 would be based on the damaged condition of the properties.
The bill contains $10 million for grants to organizations and communities such as Springfield and Holyoke to reduce youth violence.
The bill also has money to pay for union contracts, $1.2 million for private, nonprofit housing agencies to provide short-term rentals to prevent homelessness and $10 million for child care for the poor.